Janette Cunningham feels comforted by the three colourful, warm crocheted blankets in her room. One is on her bed; the other two are draped over the comfortable chairs by the window. 

She likens the blankets to Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community Nangatta.  Like a warm hug. 

A team of personal care workers and nurses put them in her room when she moved in for 12 weeks’ respite care. She was touched by the gesture. 

She’d been discharged from hospital following a surgery and wasn’t confident about being at home on her own yet. 

“Being here has helped me feel like myself again — both physically and mentally,” Janette says. “Since being here, I’ve put on three kilograms, which is awesome.” 

Janette appreciates the pretty garden and enjoys the activities on offer: the exercise classes, bus trip outings and happy hour. Most of all though, she is moved by the sermons that Chaplain Vic Pitman-Jones gives. 

The 82-year-old great-grandmother has a deep Christian faith and having her mind, body and spirit nurtured by her respite stay has made the difference. 

“I’ve used this time to rest, reflect and to gain strength to go back home,” Janette explains. She has also connected with many residents who now call the community home.   

Recharging has left Janette feeling confident she can handle what comes next. 

She’s lived a full and busy life – marriages, five children and multiple jobs, but after her surgery she felt vulnerable for the first time in her life.  

What she needed was a warm hug, a caring community and a little faith.